Netanyahu tries to split United Torah Judaism: the secret meetings and the effort to distance the Haredim from Eisenkot
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is working behind the scenes to split United Torah Judaism and prevent Haredi MKs from supporting an alternative government led by Gadi Eisenkot. Secret meetings with Elikim Shtark and David Shapira, along with a campaign of about half a million phone calls to the Haredi public, aim to preserve the partnership with the Haredi parties.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is working behind the scenes to thwart the possibility that Haredi MKs would support an alternative government led by Gadi Eisenkot. At the center of the effort is an attempt to influence what is happening within United Torah Judaism, deepen the divisions between its factions, and prevent the formation of a political move that would endanger his continued rule. Earlier this week, MKs Elikim Shtark and Meir Porush met with David Shapira, a Degel HaTorah figure close to Rabbi Landau. The meeting raised the issue of the draft law and the possibility of reaching a solution within an alternative government, but sources involved in the move doubt the ability to deliver on the promises. Walla has learned that Shtark also met with Netanyahu, and this was not the only meeting between the sides. Meanwhile, a public campaign is underway in Haredi strongholds against the possibility of establishing a government with the support of the Haredi parties alongside Bennett, Lieberman, Lapid, and Yair Golan. A source familiar with the activity described a campaign that included about half a million phone calls to the Haredi public.